Cotswold Clouds returns to challenge drivers on some of the county’s most daunting hills

This Sunday, February 6^th, sees the return of the Cotswold Clouds motor trials, organised by Stroud and District Motor Club.

First run in 1963, the Clouds didn’t take place last year due to the pandemic but on Sunday 80 cars, ranging from pre-war to modern machinery, will tackle the challenging hills around Stroud.

The event isn’t a race or a rally and is run with landowners’ permission. It is a test of skill and car control to navigate the slippery, muddy hillsides.

Competitors leave Whitminster at 8am and the first cars will tackle the notorious Crooked Mustard section, off Twinberrow Lane in Dursley, from around 8.30am. They then travel to The Ladder in Nailsworth, always a popular spot with spectators, the first cars expected at 9.30am. Another designated spectator area is at Ham Mill (below Winstone’s Ice Cream) with the first cars due at around 9.45am.

Our video, filmed in 2018, shows Eastington driver Mark Linforth at the wheel of his MG Special, accompanied by ‘bouncer’ Mark Watkins on the challenging Crooked Mustard stage – one of the few cars to complete it, even adding a wheelie on the tight hairpin.

This year many in Stroud and District Motor Club will be thinking of club stalwarts Rick Neale and Dave Mason who passed away in recent years. Dave grew up next to The Ladder and his son-in-law Jon Ellwood will this year compete in a Marlin.

For more spectator information click here Clouds Spectator Info – Stroud and District Motor Club